What is your photographic style?

I shoot a modern, colorful, and vibrant style of photography.  I absolutely love light; the way it streaks down through the trees, peeks over mountains, and lights up your hair. I am always on the look out for great pools of light or color, and ask you to trust my vision when we are on a shoot. I am relaxed while shooting, and offer a less traditional, but more modern style of portraiture.  (I do studio type shots for newborns & maternity when requested).  I consider myself a lifestyle photographer, which means I am less into posing and directing than I am in capturing real moments between people.  I will sometimes set the stage for an event, and then let it unfold and capture “life” that way. I rarely pose and direct, but will do it when necessary to get the shot.  Check out my portfolio to see examples of my style.

How far in advance should we schedule our session?

In order to provide each client with the personalized attention they deserve, I limit the portrait sessions I take on in any given month.  I pride myself on providing a complete custom portrait experience, and with two preschool aged children that means limiting my sessions. I recommend booking early to ensure availability, especially in the popular spring, summer and fall months.

What is custom portraiture ?

Read this link.

How will I schedule my newborn session when I don’t yet know when he/she will be born?

Newborn sessions are initially scheduled on their due date, and then as the big day approaches we will keep in touch.  Once baby is born we will schedule the actual session and I always leave room in my schedule for your newborn.  I normally suggest parents add me to their email list when they send out an email announcement that baby has arrived, and then that following week, during the week, is normally when our session will take place.  As babies are more bendy and curly the younger they are, I encourage parents to call me ASAP once baby has been born. A shoot at 5 days old is not too soon!!

What about maternity sessions? When do you recommend having maternity portraits taken?

I recommend having maternity portraits made around 30-34 weeks.  Anytime in the third trimester is fine, I’ve even held sessions just a few days before delivery!!

What should we wear?

Once you have booked your session we will discuss clothing choices in our pre-session phone or email consultation. Clothing choices are very important as they determine the overall look and feel of your final images. Therefore I will help you tailor your choice of wardrobe to the location.  And if you are unsure, it’s better to bring more choices and we can mix things up at the session. Don’t forget the accessories that add interest, such as hats, scarves, jackets, and shoes. From time to time I will also post suggestions here on the blog, as well.  In general, I recommend that if you are a family you look at each persons clothing as part of a bigger coordinating “outfit”. In other words, not everyone should match (as in, jeans and white shirts) but each persons clothing choices should coordinate with the family as a whole.  Some favorites of mine are: Old Navy, The Gap, Mini-Boden, Janie & Jack, Nordstrom, etc.

Where do you shoot? Do you have a studio?

I shoot 100% on location, using natural light. In other words, I can shoot anywhere! I strive to customize each session to my client’s needs and desires, and therefore no two sessions are exactly alike. Depending on your vision for your finished portraits, I can shoot at your home for an in-home lifestyle session, downtown for an urban feel, or out at a park or open space for more natural surroundings.  Once you schedule your session, then we will discuss the exact location during our pre-session phone or email consultation.  Newborns are normally photographed at home, and if outside portraits are desired we will go to a second location.

How long is a typical session?

Most sessions last anywhere from 1-2 hours. This will vary depending on the number of people being photographed. Families with young children will need to stop for snacks and breaks, or a change of outfit.  Newborn sessions are generally the longest, and can last up to 3 hours depending on baby’s needs.

What is the best time of day to schedule our session?

My favorite time to shoot is in the evening, about 1-2 hours before the sun goes down completely. Obviously the exact time of day will change with the seasons!

For newborns I prefer to shoot in the mornings, starting our session around 9am or 10am. Babies are sleepiest in the mornings, and the only exception to this is when you are interested in outdoor newborn portraits, and then we may need to schedule our session for later in the afternoon/evening to capture that gorgeous evening light outside.

Why do you only show 30-40 proofs when you seem to be taking many more pictures than that at our session?

At any given shoot I might take 50-100 shots, and I immediately edit out any blinks or awkward expressions to show only the best images. Sometimes there are duplicates of the same shot, I will choose the best one, and the rest are deleted from my hard drive. I’m occasionally asked to “see more” and I can tell you from experience that the very best images are those I’ve shown in your gallery.  Too many choices can be overwhelming and my clients appreciate my professional eye in selecting only the best images. On those sessions where the light was perfect, your child/family was on perfect behavior, and everything went according to plan, I will sometimes end up with more than 30-40 proofs!!  You can be sure I’m showing the very best images that you will be proud to display on your walls for years to come!

What about weddings?  Do you offer wedding photography?

At this time I do not photograph weddings. In my opinion you cannot be the best at everything, and therefore I’ve chosen to specialize in baby, children and family portraiture.  Just like wedding photographers often do not take children’s portraits, I’ve chosen to direct my efforts towards being the best I can be and leave the weddings to the wedding photographers.  If you need recommendations for a wedding photographer in Colorado, please contact me and I’d be happy to recommend some great ones.

Do you photograph Births?

Yes! I offer birth photography on a very limited basis, 2 births per month. I will be “on call” during the few weeks before your due date, and due to being on call and having a family of my own I limit birth photography to the South Denver Metro area only.  If you are interested in birth photography and want more information on what areas I cover, please contact me.

What about parties? Will you come and photograph my daughter/son’s birthday party?

I sure will. My full price list includes a “party package”.  Please contact me for more details!

Are you available for travel?

Absolutely! Obviously it depends on the job and the location, but I am totally open to travel. Please contact me for more information.

Do you do commercial work?

I am available for commercial assignments and/or licensing images currently in my portfolio. Please contact me for more information about rates.

Can I shadow you on a photoshoot? Do you offer mentoring to aspiring photographers?

Yes! I offer a mentoring program which you can read more about here, and that does include coming along with me on a photoshoot.  I also offer workshops for moms and dads who want to learn to take better pictures of their children.  If you are interested in a workshop for your group, please contact me for rates.

Where can I get an image box, album, or CD case like the ones you sell?

I use a number of different vendors who sell only to professional photographers. If you have purchased digital negatives from me and would like recommendations on a consumer print lab, please email me.